Physicals

What happens during physicals?

Physical exams are a core offering of any primary care practice and can benefit people of any age. These visits are complete with a full review of your health, including a variety of tests for individual body parts, systems, and functions.

Core Primary Care offers several different types of physicals that can vary based on the reason for them. Physicals also change based on your age and individual needs.

You can expect:

• Height and weight measurements
• Vital signs readings
• Listening to your heart and lungs
• Review of your medical history
• Reflex tests
• Ear, nose, and throat exams
• Organ palpitations
• Skin exams

While physical exams are certainly easier and more comprehensive in person, you can also get a very basic exam with telehealth. Telemedicine allows you to log in for a remote visit with your primary care provider.

Physical Exam Services at Core Primary Care in Houston

Core Primary Care offers several types of physical exams to serve patients at every stage of life. Each physical exam service is tailored to your individual needs, age, and the reason for your visit.

Which type of physical do I need?

Core Primary Care offers basic physical exams alongside several specialty physicals, including:

Annual Physical Exam in Houston, TX

An annual physical is one of the most important routine health services a patient can schedule. At Core Primary Care, your annual physical is a comprehensive physical exam that gives your primary care doctor a complete picture of your current health — and a baseline to track changes over time.

Primary care physicians recommend scheduling your annual physical once a year, even when you feel well. Many serious health conditions — including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes — develop without noticeable symptoms. A thorough annual physical catches these concerns early, when they are most manageable.

What Happens at Your Annual Physical Exam

Your annual physical at Core Primary Care is a comprehensive health examination that typically includes:

Your doctor reviews your results with you during the visit and answers any health questions or concerns you have. If lab tests are ordered, results are reviewed at a follow-up appointment or through your patient portal. Your medical history is updated at every annual visit so your care stays current and coordinated.

Houston annual physical tip: Most insurance plans cover annual physical exams at no cost to the patient as part of preventive care. Medicare also covers an annual wellness visit. Call our office or contact us online before your appointment and we will verify your coverage.

DOT Physical Exam in Houston, TX

Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exams are federally mandated for commercial motor vehicle operators. Under FMCSA regulations, CDL drivers and other commercial vehicle operators must complete a DOT physical examination at least once every two years to maintain their commercial driver’s license and continue operating legally.

Core Primary Care’s Houston clinics are staffed with FMCSA-registered medical examiners who conduct DOT physical exams and issue the DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate upon successful completion. The DOT physical exam tests that you are physically and mentally capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle — protecting yourself, your passengers, and the public on Texas roads.

What a DOT Physical Exam Tests

• Vision — minimum 20/40 acuity with or without corrective lenses
• Hearing — ability to perceive a forced whispered voice at 5 feet
• Blood pressure and heart rate — must meet FMCSA thresholds
• Urinalysis — checking for underlying health conditions (not a drug test)
• Medical history review — reviewing any conditions that may affect safe driving
• Physical examination — cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and musculoskeletal assessment
• Mental fitness evaluation — reviewing any conditions or medications that may impair driving ability

DOT physicals at Core Primary Care are available at all four Houston-area locations. We offer short wait times and convenient scheduling for commercial drivers across the greater Houston area — including Katy, Sugar Land, and Needville, TX. Call us today to schedule your DOT physical exam or book online.

CDL physical renewal reminder: Your DOT medical certificate must be renewed before it expires to avoid losing your CDL. Core Primary Care’s Houston clinics provide DOT physicals with same-day certificate issuance in most cases. Do not wait until your certificate expires — schedule your DOT exam early.

Physical Exam in Houston, TX

Many colleges and universities require incoming students to submit a college physical exam as part of the enrollment process. Core Primary Care provides college physical exams for students across the Houston area at all four clinic locations.

A college physical is similar to an annual physical but may include additional requirements specific to the college or university — such as immunization documentation, mental health screening, or clearance for campus housing. Bring your college’s physical exam form to your appointment and your doctor will complete all required sections during your visit. Documentation is provided before you leave the clinic.

School Physical Exam in Houston, TX

Most Texas schools and school districts require students to complete a school physical before enrollment or at the start of a new school year. Core Primary Care provides school physicals for children and adolescents at all four Houston-area clinic locations — including same-day appointments during the busy back-to-school season.

A school physical at Core Primary Care is a health and wellness review that checks your child’s overall growth, development, and health before the school year begins. Your doctor reviews your child’s medical history, records vital signs, performs a physical examination, and completes the required school physical documentation before your child leaves the clinic.

• Vision and hearing screening
• Height, weight, and BMI measurement
• Blood pressure and vital signs
• Review of immunization records and vaccination updates
• Medical history review and health concerns discussion
• Completed physical exam form for school submission

School physicals in Houston are available at Core Primary Care’s Houston Medical Center, Sugar Land, Katy, and Needville locations. Schedule your child’s school physical online or call us today — same-day school physicals are available throughout the summer to prepare for the school year ahead.

Sports Physical in Houston, TX

A sports physical — also called a pre-participation physical examination (PPE) — is required before joining most sports teams, athletic programs, or workout facilities in Texas. Core Primary Care provides sports physicals in Houston, TX for children, teens, and adults at all four Houston-area clinic locations.

Sports physicals in Houston are designed to confirm that you or your child is physically capable of safely participating in a sport or exercise program. Our doctors assess cardiovascular function, musculoskeletal health, heart rate, blood pressure, medical history, and any prior injury that could affect safe participation.

What a Sports Physical Exam Includes

• Medical history review — prior injuries, surgeries, allergies, and family history of heart conditions
• Vital signs — blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight
• Cardiovascular exam — listening to heart and lungs for any abnormalities
• Musculoskeletal assessment — checking strength, flexibility, and joint stability
• Vision screening — basic eye test
• Documentation — signed physical exam form returned to the patient for school or team submission

Same-day sports physicals are available at Core Primary Care’s Houston-area clinics. Walk-in sports physical appointments are accepted at most locations — call ahead to confirm same-day availability and minimize your wait times.

School sports physical deadline: Most Texas schools and sports programs require a physical exam completed within the current school year. Sports physicals at Core Primary Care are completed same-day — your child receives the completed physical exam form before leaving the clinic.

Employment Physical Exam in Houston, TX

Pre-employment physicals and occupational physical examinations are available at Core Primary Care in Houston, TX. Employment physicals are commonly required for new hires in healthcare, construction, transportation, education, and other industries where physical fitness and health clearance are part of the job requirements.

Core Primary Care’s employment physical exam service includes a comprehensive physical examination, medical history review, vital signs testing, and any employer-required health screens. Your employer’s physical exam form is completed during your visit. Call us today or schedule an appointment online — employment physicals are available at all four Houston-area locations with short wait times.

What to Expect at a Physical Exam at Core Primary Care

Regardless of the type of physical exam you need, every physical examination at Core Primary Care follows a thorough, professional approach. Here is what the typical visit looks like from start to finish:

1. Check-in — You arrive at the clinic and complete intake paperwork including your medical history, current medications, allergies, and the reason for your physical exam.
2. Vital signs — Your nurse records your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, height, and weight.
3. Physical examination — Your primary care doctor conducts a comprehensive physical exam, including evaluation of your heart and lungs, ear and throat exam, skin examination, reflex tests, and assessment of any specific concern you have.
4. Lab work (if needed) — Blood tests, urinalysis, or other lab services are ordered based on your age, health history, and the type of physical exam.
5. Discussion and documentation — Your doctor discusses findings, answers your health questions, and provides any documentation your school, employer, sports team, or employer requires.
6. Follow-up plan — If any health issues or symptoms require follow-up, your doctor schedules the appropriate next step before you leave.

Benefits of Getting Regular Physical Exams in Houston

Routine physical examinations are one of the most effective preventive health services available. Patients who schedule regular physicals with their primary care doctor in Houston, TX consistently experience better long-term health outcomes than those who only seek medical care when symptoms appear. Key benefits include:

• Early detection of health conditions — heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are often caught earlier through routine physical exams
• Updated medical history — your doctor keeps a current, accurate record of your health for better clinical decisions across all your care
• Personalized health and wellness recommendations — your doctor tailors advice to your age, risk factors, and lifestyle
• On-time vaccinations and screenings — your physical exam keeps you current on all age-appropriate preventive services
• A stronger relationship with your primary care provider — continuity with the same doctor leads to better care coordination
• Documentation for school, work, sports, or driving — all required physical exam forms completed in one visit
• Peace of mind — knowing your overall health has been reviewed by a professional

Which Type of Physical Exam Do You Need?

Not sure which physical exam to schedule? Use this quick reference table to find the right service for your situation — then book your appointment online or call us today.

Not sure which physical you need? Call Core Primary Care at (713) 636-2621 and our team will help you determine the right physical exam for your situation — same-day appointments available at most Houston-area locations.

Why Choose Core Primary Care for Physical Exams in Houston?

Frequently Asked Questions — Physical Exams in Houston, TX

How do I get a physical exam in Houston?

Call Core Primary Care at (713) 636-2621 or book your appointment online at coreprimarycare.com. Same-day physical exams are available at our Houston Medical Center, Sugar Land, Katy, and Needville locations. No referral is needed — you can schedule directly with our primary care team.

How much does a physical exam cost in Texas?

Annual physical exams are typically covered at no cost to the patient under most insurance plans as a preventive service, including Medicare. Sports physicals, school physicals, and college physicals are available at low self-pay rates at Core Primary Care. DOT physical exams are also available at a competitive flat rate. Call our office to confirm pricing before your visit — (713) 636-2621.

Where can I get a sports physical near me in Houston?

Core Primary Care offers sports physicals in Houston at four convenient locations — Houston Medical Center, Sugar Land, Katy, and Needville, TX. Same-day and walk-in sports physicals are available at most locations. Call us today or book your sports physical online to reserve your appointment.

Do I need an appointment for a physical exam at Core Primary Care?

Appointments are recommended and result in shorter wait times, but same-day scheduling is available at most Core Primary Care locations. Call us at (713) 636-2621 or book online — most physical exam types including sports physicals and school physicals can be seen the same day you contact us.

How long does a physical exam take?

Most physical exams at Core Primary Care take 30 to 45 minutes. A comprehensive annual physical with lab orders may take slightly longer. Sports physicals and DOT physicals are typically completed in 20 to 30 minutes. You receive all required documentation before leaving the clinic.

Can I get a physical exam online or via telehealth?

Core Primary Care offers telehealth services for many primary care needs, but a comprehensive physical examination — including vital signs, physical assessment, and lab work — requires an in-person visit. A basic telehealth visit can address specific health concerns and follow up on prior physical exam results. For sports physicals, DOT physicals, school physicals, and annual physicals, an in-person clinic visit is required.

How often should I get an annual physical exam?

Most primary care doctors recommend an annual physical exam once a year for adults, regardless of current health status. Patients managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension may benefit from more frequent check-ins. Your Core Primary Care provider will recommend the right visit schedule based on your medical history and individual health needs.

Does Core Primary Care do DOT physicals in Houston?

Yes. Core Primary Care’s Houston-area clinics are staffed with FMCSA-registered medical examiners who conduct DOT physical exams for commercial drivers. The DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate is issued upon successful completion of the DOT physical. Appointments are available at all four Houston-area locations — call (713) 636-2621 or book online.

What should I bring to my physical exam appointment?

Bring your insurance card, a valid photo ID, a list of your current medications and dosages, and any physical exam forms required by your school, employer, or sports organization. If you are scheduling a DOT physical, bring your current medical certificate if you have one. Your doctor will review your medical history at the start of your visit.

Do you offer school physicals in Houston for back to school?

Yes. Core Primary Care offers school physical exams at all four Houston-area locations throughout the year, including same-day appointments during the summer back-to-school season. Your child’s school physical form is completed and signed before leaving the clinic. Schedule online or call us today at (713) 636-2621.

Physical Exam Locations — Houston Area

Core Primary Care offers annual, sports, DOT, school, and employment physical exams at all four greater Houston area locations:

Schedule Your Physical Exam at Core Primary Care Today

Getting the physical exam you need — whether for your annual health check, a sports team, a commercial driver’s license, or a new school year — is straightforward at Core Primary Care. Our board-certified primary care doctors provide thorough, professional physical examinations with short wait times, same-day availability, and same-day documentation across all four Houston-area clinics.

Call us today at (713) 636-2621, book your appointment online, or visit us at the location nearest to you in Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, or Needville, TX.